Common Datums and Datum Systems
A common datum means a pair of single datums specified to function as one datum. On the other hand, a datum system is a group of datums that is created by combining multiple datums.
Common Datums
A common datum is a single datum consisting of two datum features. Separate datum features are applied to a common practical datum feature.
Indication symbol
Datum setting
- a
- Axis of datum A
- b
- Common datum A-B
- c
- Axis of datum B
- d
- Practical datum feature (i.e., contact surface)
For example, indication using a common axis line made by fixing the two smallest circumscribed cylinders—which are coaxial—is described by connecting the two letters of the datums within one frame. This makes a straight line from the axes of datums A and B.
Datum Systems
A datum system is a group of datums created by combining more than one individual datum in order to use it as a reference for toleranced features.
Indication symbol
Datum setting
- Push datum A against target feature
- Push datum B against target feature
- Push datum C against target feature
Part (target feature) is completely captured
For example, three datums are used to completely capture the orientation of a part. A datum system comprising three datum planes that are perpendicular to each other is called a three-plane datum system. This enables the optimal surface to be used as a datum.
